Monday, December 17, 2007

PFEFFERNÜSSE COOKIES

Some of you might already be aware that Susan at "Food Blogga" (USA) is organizing a worldwide event called "Eat Christmas Cookies" and which might enable you to win a gorgeous cookbook (see infos). You just have to bake a batch of cookies/biscuits, blog about them and send Susan an e-mail with all the needed informations until the 17th of December 2007!

As it will soon be Christmas, today, I have decided to write about a holiday cookie recipe that I very much love and which you will surely enjoy if you are a fan of spices.It is the second consecutive year that I bake them and I am still very much impressed by their enticing flavor...

A "Pfeffernuss" (singular of "Pfeffernüsse", pronounce "feh-fer-noose") is small, round, slightly crumbly, dense and "hard" (but not dry) traditional Christmas "gingerbread" biscuit that can be found in Germany and Denmark ("Pebernødder"). In Holland "Peppernoten" are baked generally for Saint Nicholas Day. It's name translates to "Pepper Nut(s)", because it is subtly aromatized with spices such as ground white pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Many variations exist (spice combinations) and certain recipes call for nutmeg or anise while others call for a totally different spice mix. Generally, "Pfeffernüsse" also contain honey which gives them a delightful and rich tinge of sweetness.This very recipe is divine. The spices are well-balanced and not too overwhelming, but nontheless very present, thus making those cute little cookies taste delightful!

Method:1. Preheat the oven to 150° C (300° F).2. Mix all the ingredients for the icing and set aside.3. In a pan, melt the butter together with the sugar and honey.4. Transfer that mixture to a bowl and let cool for a few minutes.

5. Add the spices, the flour, baking powder and salt. Incorporate them in order to get a smooth dough.6. Shape little balls (1 ½ cm/0.6 inches) with the dough and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.8. Remove them from the oven. With the help of a brush, coat each warm cookie with the icing.9. Transfer them to a rack and let cool.

Remarks:If you wish you can add an extra pinch of ground white pepper to the mixture.The butter/sugar/honey mixture should still be warm (lukewarm) when you add the flour.

Serving suggestions:As with all cookies/biscuits, there is no rule regarding the way you eat them! Nontheless, i woul recommend you to serve those "Pfeffernüsse" with a good and refreshing "cuppa cha (cup of tea)" or a glass of cold milk...

Looks like I'll have to have at least two cookies, Rosa--one with milk and one with tea. I mean it wouldn't be polite if I didn't try both of your suggestions. ;) Thanks for a delicious submission! Cheers, Susan

I've been wanting to try those cookies forever! ...now I have all the more reasons to, with this great recipe you've given us! ...so don't be surprised to see it on my blog sometimes during the Holidays... as I am definatly steeling it! THANKS a million.